What is the fastest way to get rid of heel pain?

The fastest results come from a combination approach: our podiatrists typically use strapping for immediate offloading, prescribe a stretching program, and use shockwave therapy or laser therapy to accelerate healing. Most patients notice significant improvement within 2–6 weeks with appropriate treatment.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist for heel pain at Cockburn Podiatry?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or call us on (08) 9417 3737. Medicare rebates are available with a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan from your GP, and all major health funds are accepted via on-the-spot HICAPS.

Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis Treatment — Cockburn Central

Q: How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?

Mild to moderate plantar fasciitis treated promptly typically resolves in 6–12 weeks. Chronic cases that have been present for more than 6 months may take 3–6 months of consistent treatment. Shockwave therapy has been shown to significantly accelerate recovery in stubborn cases.

Q: What is the difference between heel pain and a heel spur?

A heel spur is a bony calcium deposit that can form on the underside of the heel bone over time, often associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. However, heel spurs are often present without symptoms, and plantar fasciitis pain can be severe without any spur present. The fascia inflammation — not the spur — is usually the primary cause of pain.

Heel pain is the most common condition treated by our podiatrists at Cockburn Podiatry, and plantar fasciitis is responsible for the majority of cases. If you experience a sharp, stabbing pain under your heel with your first steps out of bed in the morning, or after sitting for a long period, you are almost certainly dealing with plantar fasciitis.

Our podiatrists in Cockburn Central provide thorough, evidence-based assessment and treatment for all causes of heel pain, tailored to your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the sole of your foot, connecting your heel bone (calcaneus) to the base of your toes. When this tissue is subjected to excessive tension or overuse, micro-tears develop, triggering an inflammatory response that causes the characteristic heel pain of plantar fasciitis.

Related conditions we also treat include:

Heel spurs — bony calcium deposits at the heel that can develop alongside plantar fasciitis
Calcaneal bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sac at the heel
Fat pad syndrome — degeneration of the heel’s natural cushioning
Baxter’s nerve entrapment — a nerve-related cause of heel pain often mistaken for plantar fasciitis

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Sharp, stabbing pain under the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning
Pain after standing for a long time or after exercise (not during)
Pain at the start of a run that eases mid-run but returns after stopping
Aching or burning along the arch of the foot
Tenderness directly under the heel bone
Stiffness when going from sitting to standing

Common Causes & Risk Factors

Increased activity levels (new exercise program, more time on feet)
Flat feet or high arches that alter load distribution
Tight calf muscles and limited ankle range of motion
Prolonged standing on hard surfaces (occupational hazard)
Unsupportive or worn-out footwear
Sudden weight gain
Age (most common in people aged 40–60)

Heel Pain Treatment at Cockburn Podiatry

Our podiatrists conduct a comprehensive biomechanical assessment to identify the specific cause of your heel pain, then build a targeted treatment plan. Our treatment options include:

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis heel pain at Cockburn Podiatry Cockburn Central Shockwave Therapy is an effective treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis. High-energy acoustic waves stimulate the body’s natural healing response, breaking down scar tissue and promoting regeneration. Most patients require 3–5 sessions. It is non-invasive, with no downtime.

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Low level laser therapy for heel pain at Cockburn Podiatry Laser therapy reduces pain and inflammation at a cellular level and is used alongside other treatments to accelerate recovery. Particularly useful in the early stages of plantar fasciitis and for patients who cannot tolerate shockwave.

Custom Orthotics

Custom-made prescription orthotics address the underlying biomechanical cause of your plantar fasciitis by redistributing load away from the inflamed fascia. They are fabricated from a scan of your foot and prescribed to your specific needs. Learn more about custom orthotics at Cockburn Podiatry →

Strapping & Taping

Strapping provides immediate pain relief by supporting the arch and reducing tension on the plantar fascia. It can be done to provide rapid relief while other treatments take effect.

Stretching & Exercise Program

A structured home stretching and strengthening program targeting the plantar fascia and calf complex is a cornerstone of plantar fasciitis recovery. Our podiatrists provide personalised programs with clear instructions and progressions.

Footwear Assessment & Advice

Unsupportive or inappropriate footwear is a primary cause of plantar fasciitis. We assess your footwear and provide specific recommendations for your foot type and activity level, including advice on when to replace worn shoes.

Activity Modification

Continuing to load the fascia through pain typically leads to chronicity. We provide clear guidance on how to modify your activity levels during recovery without complete rest, maintaining fitness while allowing healing to occur.

Why Choose Cockburn Podiatry for Heel Pain?

Qualified podiatrists with over 20 years experience in plantar fasciitis management
Shockwave therapy and laser therapy available in-clinic — no referral to another provider
BUPA and Medibank preferred providers — maximum health fund rebates
Medicare CDM and DVA card holders welcome
Conveniently located at Cockburn Central, serving South Lake, Yangebup, Atwell, Success, Hammond Park and surrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my heel hurt most in the morning?

Morning heel pain is the hallmark of plantar fasciitis. During sleep the plantar fascia contracts. Your first steps of the day stretch it suddenly, causing micro-tears and sharp pain. The pain typically eases as the tissue warms up, then returns after prolonged rest.

How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?

Mild to moderate cases treated promptly typically resolve in 6–12 weeks. Chronic cases (present for more than 6 months) may require 3–6 months of consistent treatment. Shockwave therapy significantly accelerates recovery in stubborn cases.

What is the difference between heel pain and a heel spur?

A heel spur is a bony calcium deposit on the heel bone, often associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. However, spurs are often present without symptoms, and plantar fasciitis can be severe without any spur. The fascial inflammation — not the spur itself — is the primary source of pain in most cases.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed to see us at Cockburn Podiatry. Simply book online or call (08) 9417 3737. Medicare CDM rebates are available with a GP referral, and all major health funds are accepted via on-the-spot HICAPS.

Ready to get rid of your heel pain? Call us on (08) 9417 3737 or book online. No referral needed. Serving Cockburn Central, South Lake, Yangebup, Atwell, Success, Aubin Grove, Hammond Park, Jandakot and surrounds.

Related services: Shockwave Therapy | Custom Orthotics | Sports Podiatry